Source: Flow Dynamics LLCFlow Dynamics Smart Valve is a secondary backflow preventer incorporating a variable spring-loaded plunger that maintains backpressure. The device is installed on the demand side of a water meter where backpressure acts to stabilize irregular flow patterns equalizing pressure through the water meter.

Pressure loss in the water meter allows gas to expand, and since most water meters in use, including turbine meters, single jet, multi-jet and other positive displacement meters, measure volumetric flow, pressure loss leads to inaccurate metering. Excessive flow and turbulence can also lead to inaccurate metering as the positive displacement meter doesn’t account for backflow and nonlinear flow regimes.

Backpressure applied by the Smart Valve compresses entrained gas ensuring it occupies a negligible volume, much like a carbonated beverage. The novel device also normalizes any fluctuations to water pressure, flow rate and flow regimes to help ensure accurate metering while preventing excessive flow rates, which can have a dramatic effect on the utility bill.

Flow Dynamics is producing a second generation smart valve. The device is now externally adjustable allowing backpressure and flow adjustments to be made without breaking any connections. It also features either double flanged, for valves 3 in or larger, or female threaded, for valves 2 in or smaller, pipe connections. This increases the internal diameter of the valve to help ensure no loss in flow capacity while increasing its visibility to facility personnel.

The smart valve provides for the following benefits:

• Backpressure eliminates air volume passing through the water meter
• Flow rate is normalized for improved metering accuracy
• Excessive pressure spikes are eliminated to prevent overconsumption
• Provides for water conservation without the use of a pressure reducer or flow regulator
• Maintains constant pressure eliminating pressure shock to the system